24 “HIDDEN” SIGNS OF KIDNEY PROBLEMS
If your kidney has something wrong with it, detecting any noticeable sign or symptom can be quite difficult. Hence, why such signs and symptoms are referred to as “hidden.” Here are 25 potential hidden warning signs of kidney troubles:
1. FATIGUE:
Kidney problems may cause a shortage of red blood cells, which can quickly exhaust the brain and muscles.
2. DIZZINESS:
Feeling dizzy could be a sign that your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen due to anemia, or a shortage of red blood cells.
3. FEELING FAINT:
Similar to dizziness, feelings of faintness are not uncommon when kidney problems are present.
4. WEAKNESS:
Most people with kidney conditions complain of muscle weakness. This most likely happens due to a shortage of blood oxygen.
5. BRAIN FOG:
Brain fog is an umbrella term used to describe problems with alertness, concentration, learning, and memory. It is common among those with kidney troubles.
6. SHORTNESS OF BREATH:
Anemia can leave the body with a lack of available oxygen, as can extra fluid buildup in the lungs. Both are potentially triggered by kidney problems.
7. ITCHINESS:
As the kidneys as responsible for removing waste from the blood, kidney damage (or failure) can cause a buildup. One common symptom is itchy of this fluid accumulation is itchy skin.
8. SWELLING OF THE HANDS AND FEET:
Kidney issues impair your body’s ability to get rid of excess fluid; as a result, the hands and feet may swell.
9. SWELLING OF THE NECK AND FACE:
The same issue described in (8) applies here as well.
10. METALLIC TASTE IN THE MOUTH:
Uremia, or waste buildup in the blood, may manifest as a metal-like taste in the mouth.
11. BAD BREATH:
When the body can’t effectively rid itself of waste byproducts, bad breath may result.
12. NAUSEA:
Uremia may also cause nausea.
13. UPSET STOMACH:
An upset stomach is often a co-symptom of nausea in those with kidney problems.
14. VOMITING:
Certain kidney issues, including kidney infection, may cause vomiting.
15. WEIGHT LOSS:
Weight loss may result from poor appetite or excessive vomiting among those with kidney issues. The former being more common than the latter.
16. FEELING COLD OFTEN:
Anemia may cause feelings of being cold all the time.
17. FREQUENT URINATION:
Damage to the kidney’s nephrons may lead to more frequent urination, especially at night.
18. FEELINGS OF PRESSURE DURING URINATION:
Kidney troubles may cause feelings of pressure during urination.
19. CHANGES IN URINE APPEARANCE:
Foamy urine or urine of a strange coloration (usually brown, purple, or red) is usually indicative of more serious kidney problems.
20. TROUBLE SLEEPING:
Researchers have linked poor sleep duration and quality to CKD.
21. POOR APPETITE:
Lack of appetite is common among those with kidney troubles. Poor appetite may accompany a metallic taste in the mouth.
22. ABDOMINAL SWELLING:
If the kidneys are not properly filtering fluid, the effects may show up as a swollen belly.
23. BLOOD IN THE URINE:
This is almost always a serious sign that something is amiss internally, sometimes with the kidneys.
24. MUSCLE CRAMPS:
This may be caused by kidney troubles due to imbalances of electrolytes and fluids, blood flow problems, or nerve damage.